SIM-NIN Frustrations Spark Youth Outrage.
On Monday, chaos erupted as Nigerians flocked to telecommunication stores after service providers disconnected lines not linked to National Identification Numbers (NINs). The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had mandated the disconnection by July 31, 2024. The situation turned violent at some locations, with angry subscribers damaging properties and threatening to set stores on fire.
MTN, which has 81.79 million subscribers out of Nigeria’s 219.01 million connected lines, was heavily affected. The unrest coincides with planned youth protests against the economic hardships under the Tinubu administration. The government’s recent reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the liberalization of the forex market, have led to soaring inflation and a plummeting currency, exacerbating public discontent.
In Lagos, tensions flared as customers at the MTN store in Berger threatened to break in due to delays, while in FESTAC, enraged subscribers tore down gates and vandalized a store. The Lagos State Police intervened to restore order. Similar incidents occurred in Ibadan, where a National Youth Corps member helped prevent further damage.
